Lip fillers FAQs: Costs, considerations and facts

19th July 2019

Lip filler treatments are becoming more and more popular in Scotland and the UK as a whole. They are one of the most Googled beauty search terms in the UK. Some people are interested in having fuller, more defined lips, whilst others feel that they have lost fullness with age and would like the natural plumpness of their lips restored. Whichever reason you want to look into getting lip fillers, there are a lot of factors to consider. Lip filler injections are minimally invasive, but there are still important considerations to be made before you commit to having your lips done.

What’s in Lip Fillers?

Today’s sophisticated dermal fillers are most commonly made from man-made hyaluronic acid. This is near identical to the hyaluronic acid found naturally in our bodies. Hyaluronic acid is able to retain 1,000 times its own weight in water. For that reason, it’s a great ingredient for hydrating the skin. This means it also works really well as a substance for injectable treatments. It gives a more natural look, and dissolves over time or can be reversed if you do not like the overall result or you feel your lips are too plump.

Due to the fact that hyaluronic acid is found naturally within the body (although in lesser quantities as we age), our bodies naturally accept it. This makes it much safer than other filler substances. It is not permanent, so very worst case scenario if you change your mind, it’s easily sorted.

If you would like to find out more about what’s in dermal fillers, have a look at our blog: What’s the difference between Botox and filler?

The blog goes into detail about dermal fillers, including what they are and how they work.

What happens when you get lip fillers?

Before you go for lip fillers

There are a few things that you should be aware of before you have lip fillers done. In a professional clinic, you will be asked to come in for a consultation beforehand to make sure you are medically able to have them, and also discuss what you are hoping to achieve from the treatment. Taking blood thinners like ibuprofen and paracetamol can increase your chances of bruising, and although the bruises will fade after a few days, it might be something you would rather avoid if possible. The same can be said for drinking alcohol; you will be less likely to bruise if you avoid drinking alcohol for a couple of days before your treatment. This is because alcohol also thins the blood as well. Your best chance of avoiding bruising is to drink plenty of water and stay hydrated.

During the treatment

The clinician or doctor will first apply numbing cream to your lips. This should reduce the discomfort during the treatment. It may still hurt a little bit, but should be a minor, tolerable pain and should only last a few seconds with each injection. They will then inject the filler into your lips, and you should feel a quick scratch similar to receiving any type of injection. Your lips might feel a little bit strange, remember a solution is being injected into your lips to fill them out so you might feel this sensation.

After the treatment

One of the great things about dermal fillers is that the results are immediate, and you can see how your lips look instantly, although there may be a bit of extra swelling. After three days, you will have a better representation of how your lips have taken to the filler. Again, with bruising you should continue to avoid blood thinners and alcohol if possible, and drink plenty of water! If you have any swelling or bruising after your treatment, this should disappear after a few days and you will be able to enjoy the results of your treatment for around 6 months. The length of the treatment last will depend on your age and lifestyle.

What’s the best type of lip filler?

There are a number of different brands of hyaluronic acid dermal fillers. The brands we use in Tay MediSpa, and we believe to be the best quality and achieve the best effect are Juvéderm and Restylane. For plump, pillowy pout Juvéderm is the best option, whilst for a more natural look, Restylane can be a great option. In your consultation, your clinician should discuss your options with you, no matter where you decide to go for your treatment. Remember to make sure your products are FDA approved, like Juvéderm and Restylane.

How long do lip fillers last?

lips

Lip fillers last about 4-6 months, but results can vary depending on the client. How long the lip filler last depends on how fast your metabolism is able to break the filler down. We recommend starting conservatively and building up for the effect you desire. This is because, as with anything, it is much easier to increase until you are happy than have to resort to reversing a treatment.

How much do lip fillers cost?

In the UK, lip filler can cost anything from £215 to £1,500, but this will depend on the amount of filler you would like. In Scotland, prices start from around £150-£350 on average. This depends on where you are having the treatment, the level of qualification the clinician holds, and also the amount of product being used.

At Tay MediSpa, our prices are as follows:

0.5ml £240

1.0ml £320

Dr Julia also offers a consultation beforehand to discuss what you would like to achieve and to make sure the treatment is right for you. The consultation is free of charge and of course, there is no obligation to purchase or move forward with the treatment, giving you the peace of mind to find out more.

“Dr Julia was amazing! My lips turned out exactly as I wanted. Julia was very gentle and explained everything to me. Highly recommend!”

Lana

Does getting lip fillers hurt?

Pain is different for different people, but I can do my best to explain the sensation! After the clinician applies numbing cream, you will feel a short sharp scratch and some pressure. After the clinician injects the filler, your lips may feel a dull throbbing sensation but this shouldn’t be too painful with the numbing cream applied.

Afterwards, your lips may swell up slightly, but this is the body’s natural response to injury (you are having a substance injected into your skin after all!) and this should subside after a few days. Your lips may also feel slightly tender for a few days, a side effect with most aesthetic and medical injections.

“Had lip fillers today, I was very nervous as I have a bit of a needle phobia but Julia was lovely and kept me at ease. My lips looked fab as soon as the treatment was done. I am a very happy client and will definitely come back. Can’t stop looking at my new lips.”

Eileen

How long does it take to get lip fillers?

The length of the treatment will depend on how much filler you need to achieve the look you desire. Appointment times should be around one hour, to make sure there is plenty of time to get you settled and make sure there is no rush and everything is done with precision. At Tay MediSpa our appointments are with Dr Julia and her appointment times are 1 hour, for these reasons. If you have had lip fillers done with Dr Julia before, the treatment time may be quicker as she begins to know what your requests are and how you feel about the treatment (similarly to a hairdresser or stylist that knows you well and knows what you like!).

Our consultation times are usually around 15 minutes, so Dr Julia can get a good chat with you and answer any questions you may have about the treatment.

6 top tips if you’re going for lip fillers

1. Keep it clinical

Although lip filler treatments are becoming more widely available, it is important to make sure you are in safe hands. This is because someone who isn’t a doctor or clinician may have less knowledge of anatomy and are therefore more likely to damage a nerve or cause unwanted complications. In addition, lip fillers done at people’s homes or parties may not be as clean or clinical as in a medical facility or clinic, and you may, therefore, be at risk of infection. We recommend choosing a clinic and practitioner that is registered with Health Improvement Scotland, as this means there are strict regulations they have to abide by for their client’s protection. You can view all registered clinics on their HIS Map

2. Always have a consultation first

Consultation

It is important for you to be knowledgeable about the treatment, and equally, the clinician should be knowledgeable about you. Professionals should ask for your age and medical information to make sure the treatment is right for you. They should also discuss the risks with you and make sure you are comfortable before proceeding with the treatment.

It is also important that you are comfortable in your surroundings and trust the clinician, for your own comfort.

3. Don’t rush it, take your time

Don’t let anyone pressure you into having lip fillers done immediately. You need your time to make a decision. A professional will never pressure you about the treatment, make light of it, or try to “talk you into” having lip fillers done. Always remember that it is your choice.

“I always have my appointment with my daughter. It is a great experience.. Fun! and Dr Julia is so professional and I love my lips! We love going and results are always brilliant. Would never ever go anywhere else!”

Margaret

4. Make sure you have before and after photographs

These are so important, as you will be able to clearly see the difference with a comparison picture. A professional will always take before and after photos, so make sure to ask for these! Get pictures of yourself smiling and frowning too. Your lips may be slightly swollen immediately after the treatment, so a photograph a few days after the treatment may be useful to see the difference as well.

“So pleased with the results of my lip fillers. Dr Julia made a fantastic job of getting the balance of volume and shape exactly right, just the way I wanted!”

Karen

5. Take a quick note

Make sure you note which hyaluronic acid product the clinician uses for your lip fillers and the clinician’s name, for your own peace of mind. At Tay MediSpa, Dr Julia is the sole provider of all our aesthetics treatments and consultations. It’s also important that the product is unopened and fresh before you are being treated. This will be standard practice in a registered clinic.

6. Book your review afterwards

There should be no issues with booking a follow-up or review, and having a review should be standard practice. This is to make sure you are happy with your results and to ask any questions if you have them. Your clinician should be interested in how your treatment worked for you. They should also want to know if you are happy with your results! At Tay MediSpa, Dr Julia has follow up reviews will all of her lip filler clients to make sure they are happy with their treatment.

“Dr Julia was lovely! She really made me feel at ease and relaxed. And made an excellent job of my lips.”

Kathryn

In summary

I hope this article has answered all your questions if lip fillers are something you are looking into. It is so important that you know what you are looking to achieve, and that you are certain in your choice. Whether you are plumping lips that have lost their volume with age or want to plump up naturally thinner lips, it is important to remember that if you do choose to maintain the look you have chosen that the results are not permanent. This means that you will need to go back to the clinic around twice a year.

If you feel like you would like to learn more, there are some handy resources listed below. Alternatively, if you feel sure lip fillers are a choice you want to make and would like a free consultation with Dr Julia here at Tay MediSpa in Perth, then book yourself in! Remember, there is absolutely no need to move forward with the treatment if you choose not to. Wherever you go for your consultation, no clinician should pressure you into treatment there and then.